Project Details

The West Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative supported the work of 21 teachers and 2,200 students in 10 schools in the region. Seventeen community organizations joined the students and teachers in completing a variety of successful, community-based projects. Professional development for teachers focused on the pedagogy of problem-based learning and inquiry, while capacity-building for community organizations focused on place-based learning and high-performing partnerships with schools. A Youth Environment Symposium (YES!) for the public capped the 2008-09 school year and provided a stage for students to share the results of their work with the community. The hub’s structure features an active advisory council and a committed leadership team that regularly reflects on progress and challenges. The hub used the local media and printed materials to successfully promote its work throughout the region, and kept two other funders appraised of its progress throughout the grant period. This hub applied for and was awarded a continuation grant through the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.